Is there a way to convert manfrotto head to use arca-swiss plate?

I have a Manfrotto 3421 Head (gimbal type) and the problem is they don't make an L bracket for it. It is a pain to carry around 2 tripods when I use those lenses that do not have a tripod collar and need to shoot portrait.

It looks like the piece that holds the plate will unscrew from the actual head, but I don't know if there are any arca-swiss pieces that will fit it. It would sure save a bundle if I can just replace the plate holder (& plates) so I don't have to get a $400+ head. Anyone know if that piece can be replaced?

Manfrotto just started selling an RC2 replacement clamp that is supposedly Arca Swiss, but it isn't. I bought it and tried it out, and the only plate that fit it was the one that came with it. My other A-S (Wimberley) plates did not fit.

Not sure if this will work with the Manfrotto Gimbal head, but check it out. Really Right Stuff sells RC2-to-Arca Swiss replacement clamps.

http://www.ocabj.net …to-arca-swiss-conversion/

Get yourself a couple of Peak Design DualPlate Manfrotto/Arca quick release plates and you will be set. I have like 6 of them and I use it on all my camera gear so I don't have to take it off and use it on something else.

https://peakdesignltd.​com …uct&path=60&pro​duct_id=55

Take Care,
Cheers, Patrick

I just converted my Manfrotto RC2 into a Arca-Swiss

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=16240607&p​ostcount=3

www.hejnarphotostore.c​om may have a replacement.

You can replace the clamp with any of a number of manufacturer's Arca-Swiss clamps.

How about the RC-4 plate???

cbowlsby wrote in post #16282339
You can replace the clamp with any of a number of manufacturer's Arca-Swiss clamps.

cbowlsby, I can just unscrew the RC4 clamp and screw in a arca-swiss?

badams wrote in post #16291229
cbowlsby, I can just unscrew the RC4 clamp and screw in a arca-swiss?

The best I recall there are only two small allenhead screws holding that plate on.
If thats the case you will need to drill a hole centered in the mounting bar to run a 1/4 to 3/8 bolt to hold the AS plate.

You will need to watch your clearance if you use a knob type release plate also as the knob will probably extend below the bottom of the plate and hit the bar when you change orientation.

You might have to make up a spacer to give the knob clearance.
I just like to DIY stuff in my shop and that's the way I would do it.

I'm sure there are more expensive ways to do it so YMMV

I think I'm just going to get a new gimbal head that is arca-swiss compatible. Might cost more, but since I don't have the equipment or the time to do it, I'll just buy new. Probably save the head and use it for my scope while birding since it works great for that purpose.

I feel your pain. When I got my 300 f/2.8 (used) it included the 393 gimbal (the old ID for the 3421). Lovely gimbal, but it'll take a major effort to make it A-S capable. Maybe with a block of wood (poor man's version) to raise the plate far enough to be able to use the screw/lever release on an A-S plate on there. I got a Jobu Black Widow instead. Maybe one of these days, I'll try the adaptation. Or attach an A-S clamp to the 393 plate. Probably easier to do that.

I still haven't done anything about the situation. Had bought a Beike gimbal, but it was out of stock and they didn't get any more in so I had to cancel the order without ever testing one of those cheap gimbals. Now I'm not sure if I even want to test one.

Jon, I had thought about attaching an AS clamp to the 393 plate, but didn't want that many connections when using the 500, which lead me to my next thought.

Keep the 393 for the 500mm, then get a ball head that uses the same plate as the 393 to use on the other tripod. I don't really like that option as it would be nice not to have to carry two tripods. But without it costing a fortune to switch, may be my only option.

Get in touch with RRS and see if they can offer a suggestion.

Hejnar offers a lot of clamps with various connection styles and he might be able to hook you up as well.